David Sedaris: The writer-humorist-performer known for his commentary on NPR and best-selling books Me Talk Pretty One Day and Holidays on Ice is live at the Taft Theatre with a new batch of hilarious, thought-provoking stories, 8 p.m. today, Fifth and Sycamore streets, downtown. $18-$33. 562-4949.

Play reading: Celebrated actress Amy Warner offers a staged-reading of her new one-woman play Brenda Ueland, based on the memoirs of the pioneering author and journalist, 7 p.m. today, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Part of ETC's Theatre of the Mind series. $6. 421-3555.

Rosenthal Center: Time is running out to see the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art's awe-inspiring inaugural exhibit Somewhere Better Than This Place: Alternative Social Experience in Spaces of Contemporary Art, which starts coming down Saturday. See it free during no-charge after-hours viewing, 5-9 p.m. today, Sixth and Walnut streets, downtown. 345-8400.

Madden NFL 2004: Armchair quarterbacks have more options for game play than ever in this new release of Madden NFL. Players can choose to play their favorite NFL team from the player, coach or owner point-of-view. Between plays, the action is presented in a new split screen fashion, so gamers can review the playbook or watch instant replays while in play-calling mode. Coaches can review and edit playbooks and change plays on the fly. Owners can set the prices of hot dogs, foam fingers and even luxury boxes. Authentic commentary by John Madden and Al Michaels completes the most realistic football sim to date (EA Sports; Xbox, PS2, Gamecube, PC; $49.99; E for everyone)

Also 24 hours out: Previews begin for the Playhouse in the Park production of Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses, the Tony Award-winning fantasy-drama involving original retellings of Greek legends staged around a pool of water, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Robert S. Marx Theatre, Eden Park. $29.50. 421-3888.

48 hours out: England's premier cathedral choir, the St. Paul Cathedral Choir, London makes one of four U.S. stops at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral for the church's Great Music in a Great Space series, 8 p.m. Wednesday, 325 W. Eighth St., downtown. Program includes Baroque, Renaissance and modern hymns. $25-$28. 421-2222.